Cpt. Steve Bartol has been chosen as Milwaukie's new police chief, the city announced Wednesday.

Bartol began working as a Milwaukie police officer more than 20 years ago before rising though the ranks, serving 10 years as a sergeant, four years as a detective and a captain since 2008.

Most recently, Bartol has served as interim chief since chief Bob Jordan retired in November.

Milwaukie city manager Bill Monahan, who appointed Bartol to the position, said in a statement Wednesday that he was "extremely impressed with Steve’s career achievements, knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the City of Milwaukie."

Bartol is a 2007 graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute Administrative Officer program conducted by the University of Louisville and holds leadership and executive certificates from Portland State University and DPSST, Oregon’s police training program. In addition, he completed the FBI National Academy in September 2013.

Following Jordan's retirement announcement, some Milwaukie residents worried about how the police department would address the forthcoming Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Line. Councilor Dave Hedges is worried the police force has been unfairly slimmed as a result of budget cuts at the city.

As a goal for 2014, the council affirmed they want the new chief to create a plan to address light rail issues. The line is set to begin operation in September 2015.

With the appointment, the city will now recruit to fill the open captain position. Other recruitments have been underway within the department since early fall to fill openings at the officer level.

Bartol will be sworn in at a city council meeting on March 4 at 7 p.m.